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Tag Archives: Family
Christmas Crafts, Part 1
Back by popular demand: my Christmas story, in three parts, which first appeared here in December 2011. It’s been updated a bit, but mostly it’s the same story that made readers laugh until they cried. Go on, read it again…. … Continue reading
Posted in My Life
Tagged Change, Creativity, Department 56, Divorce, Family, Grandpa Jack, Holidays, Letting Go, North Pole Village, Unplanned Life
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Reflections on the Oh-So-Sexy Minivan
Lately I’ve been thinking about old school transportation. Perhaps because I recently had some service done on my oh-so-sexy Toyota minivan, which lead to new brakes, which lead to the discovery of a leak in the rack and pinion system … Continue reading
A Skirt Fit For a Princess
It’s October already and that means my brother Tom is getting married this weekend. And by married, I mean re-married. But as far as me, my mother, and two sisters are concerned, that detail is irrelevant. The race to find … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Autism, Divorce, Family, Marriage, Milestones, Practical, Practicality, Satin Skirt, Unplanned Life, Wedding
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Late Bloomers
It’s a sad truth, but kids on the spectrum don’t often get invited to parties, birthday or otherwise. Over the years I’ve grown used to this difficult state of affairs–even as it continued to frustrate and sadden me. These children … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Acceptance, Autism, Birthdays, Family, Gratitude, Milestones, Parties, Unplanned Life
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Another Story Selected for Performance By Petaluma Readers Theatre
Many of you will remember that the Petaluma Readers Theatre (PRT) performed my award-winning story, “Elliott Comes to Play” on stage back in the summer of 2012. As I told PRT after the performance, “seeing my story performed on stage … Continue reading
Posted in My Life, News, Other Writers, Publications
Tagged Adoption, Christine Falson-Daigle, Chuck Kensler, Craig Harris, Cynthia Patton, David Berner, Dear Ole Dad: A Tribute to Fatherhood, Divorce, Ed Rau, Eric Wallace, Family, Jean Wong, Jennifer March, John Noland, Jon Berger, Leslie Scratchard, Pat Tyler, Petaluma Readers Theatre, Sheila Bender, Single Parent, Susan Starbird, Terry Kolkey, The Clear Herat Stage, There's No Daddy Here, Tiny Lights, Unplanned Life, Writing Life
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Some Thoughts on Luck (And Other Stuff)
As Saint Patrick’s Day approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about luck. Most people think it’s incredibly unlucky that after eight years of infertility, my ex and I adopted a baby girl who turned out to have autism spectrum disorder—a … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Acceptance, Adoption, Autism, Change, Diversity, Divorce, Expectations, Family, Gratitude, Infertility, Loss, Love, Luck, Parenting, Single Parent, St Patrick's Day, Unplanned Life
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Cynthia’s Yearlong 50th Birthday Bash–November Update
As I described back in April (you can read the post here), I’m celebrating my 50th birthday with a year of activities, challenges, and FUN designed to honor this milestone. I’m calling it Cynthia’s Yearlong 50th Birthday Bash, and so … Continue reading
Posted in My Life
Tagged 50th Birthday, Art, Bankhead Theater, Birthdays, Family, Firehouse Arts Center, Food, Harrington Gallery, Holidays, LUMA, Milestones, NaNoWriMo, New Things, Unplanned Life, Writing Life
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Be An Artist, Right Now!
Welcome to another Tuesday with TED. Today we have Korean novelist Young-ha Kim. Kim weaves tales that speak to the thrills and challenges of young Koreans in our increasingly globalized and ever-changing world. Young-ha Kim wishes that his eighth grade … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Other Writers, Tuesdays with TED
Tagged Art, Authenticity, Creativity, Family, Fiction, Inner Child, Memoir, Poetry, Story, Writing Life, Young-ha Kim
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Once Upon a Time, My Mother….
Welcome to another Tuesday with TED. Today we have storyteller and children’s book author Carmen Agra Deedy. She talks about the art of storytelling and spins a funny, wise, and luminous tale of parents and kids, starring her Cuban mother. … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Other Writers, Tuesdays with TED
Tagged Autism, Carmen Agra Deedy, Creativity, Cuba, Driving, Family, Immigrants, Letting Go, Mothers, Shame, Story, Writing Life, You're Going to Miss Me
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Cynthia’s Yearlong 50th Birthday Bash-July Update
As I described back in April (you can read the post here), I’m celebrating my 50th birthday with a year of activities and challenges designed to honor this milestone. I’m calling it Cynthia’s Yearlong 50th Birthday Bash, and so far … Continue reading
Posted in My Life
Tagged 50th Birthday, Birthdays, CAbi, Family, Gratitude, Milestones, New Things, Poetry, The Fun List, Unplanned Life, Writing Life
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